Question on Rolex CPO

[Rahul718]

Hey all,

I’ve heard that “entry” to the Rolex CPO program is pretty tough as not all watches make it through. That said, is the CPO service essentially just a full Rolex service, like what someone would normally pay for out of pocket during the normal service interval?

Second question, are spring bars also replaced during the CPO service as well? Whether the watch came in with aftermarket spring bars or OEM genuine ones, are they automatically replaced as part of the service?

Thanks

[Kevin of Larchmont]

To be made ready for CPO the watch receives a full service and is warranted as such. In my observation Rolex doesn’t replace parts on the watch that don’t need to be replaced but logic suggests that they would replace inauthentic spring bars.

[ttomczak]

In order to be a Rolex certified cpo watch, it HAS to have all authentic Rolex parts.

[joli160]

The AD probably enter watches in the CPO program which they assume can sell for the inflated prices. The CPO is only a tool to maximize profit, invented to take a piece of the grey market pie.

Have seen examples of CPO Rolex watches being over polished, service dial and hands.
By no means a CPO watch guarantees you a watch that is worth its money.
It does guarantee you that it works fine and has only Rolex parts.
Period correct or not is another question.

As for the spring bars they will be in good condition, new or not, it’s not standard to change them during a service.

You still need to do your homework.

[Rahul718]

Maybe this is a hard question to answer, but on the topic of CPO guaranteeing authentic parts, how would a Rolex watch maker be able to discern the difference between authentic spring bars and after market? I’ve seen the two side by side before and they looked identical.

So I do think it MIGHT be possible for some after market parts to make their way through the CPO process without being swapped out.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

The answer is simple then, only ever buy brand new from an AD. Imaginary problem solved.

[BraveBold]

Nothing is completely certain when dealing with used watches. But the likelihood of issues or things slipping by the Rolex CPO process is significantly lower than even “trusted” grey dealers, who clearly sometimes miss things or do not disclose inconsistencies, etc. It happens and we should all know it does given volumes transacted and incentives…

So new from AD is highest certainty > Rolex CPO >” trusted” sellers > general dealers (absent diligence) or individual sellers.

All of it then becomes understanding and accepting risks, trade-offs, objectives etc. Be an informed shopper and you should generally be fine.

[TimeAZ]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

The answer is simple then, only ever buy brand new from an AD. Imaginary problem solved.

The only thing imaginary here is that the AD will sell you anything new.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

The only thing imaginary here is that the AD will sell you anything new.

As if he doesn’t have enough to worry about already.

[Dave O]

I have been told, but not certain, that Rolex does not make their own spring bars (again, I could be mistaken). I think I would be much more worried about the watch itself than the spring bars. I change out straps/bracelets all the time on my watches and have never had an issue with spring bars that didn't come from Rolex.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

The answer is simple then, only ever buy brand new from an AD. Imaginary problem solved.

Kat


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[77T]

Rolex does have spring bars made to their own specifications in many metals (SS & PM) for different styles of midcases - this includes spring bar length. Also thickness for different bracelets and straps. They have different part numbers for the many different spring bars.

A CPO watch must pass several inspections to be sold as such. Sometimes the watch is in perfect condition- safe queens for example. But if anything is amiss - including wrong spring bars - it is replaced with OEM parts, including spring bars.

The operant phrase is: parts that no longer meet Rolex requirements are systematically replaced.

Remember, a new Rolex has their own spring bars and this means a CPO should have them too. But some bad dealers are now selling "CPO" which aren't the same program as Rolex's.


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

The only thing imaginary here is that the AD will sell you anything new.

That’s funny

[KatGirl]

OP, why are you fixated on Spring bars? If you are trying to sell to CPO program, and know your Spring bars are aftermarket, just buy new OEM ones. If you are thinking of buying a CPO piece, don’t! They are grossly overpriced. Buy from a trusted seller, instead.

Kat


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[77T]

I don't think the OP is "fixated" on spring bars. He simply asked questions about CPO, chief among them the service being performed.

The secondary part was about spring bars.

Originally Posted by Rahul718

Hey all,

I’ve heard that “entry” to the Rolex CPO program is pretty tough as not all watches make it through. That said, is the CPO service essentially just a full Rolex service, like what someone would normally pay for out of pocket during the normal service interval?

Second question, are spring bars also replaced during the CPO service as well? Whether the watch came in with aftermarket spring bars or OEM genuine ones, are they automatically replaced as part of the service?

Thanks

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[Dave O]

Originally Posted by 77T

I don't think the OP is "fixated" on spring bars. He simply asked questions about CPO, chief among them the service being performed.

The secondary part was about spring bars.

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You might have missed his second post on spring bars (post below), which is why some think he is fixated on them. Spring bars should be the least of his worries.

Originally Posted by Rahul718

Maybe this is a hard question to answer, but on the topic of CPO guaranteeing authentic parts, how would a Rolex watch maker be able to discern the difference between authentic spring bars and after market? I’ve seen the two side by side before and they looked identical.

So I do think it MIGHT be possible for some after market parts to make their way through the CPO process without being swapped out.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Rahul718

Hey all,

I’ve heard that “entry” to the Rolex CPO program is pretty tough as not all watches make it through. That said, is the CPO service essentially just a full Rolex service, like what someone would normally pay for out of pocket during the normal service interval?

Second question, are spring bars also replaced during the CPO service as well? Whether the watch came in with aftermarket spring bars or OEM genuine ones, are they automatically replaced as part of the service?

Thanks

All CPO watches go to Rolex who verifies that all parts are accurate and authentic and that the service is up to Rolex standards.

You don't submit a watch for a CPO service; this is a Dealer only program. It is up to them on what they submit to Rolex for the program, and it is up to them on what price they put on it.